Conferences, gatherings, and happy hours are all excellent occasions to meet clients and coworkers who can assist you in obtaining more creative work and substantial clientele. However, leaving the protective shell of our workplaces or homes to attend a networking event alone is stressful—even frightening for most individuals.
Here are some pointers to help you navigate a networking event, whether you’re with peers or alone, and make the best of your experience there:
Be True to Yourself
Networking events are intended to serve as starting points for developing relationships. If you can’t be genuine, you’ll begin to make these new connections on the wrong foot. Try not to be the person you believe others would like to meet.
Be you. Although, it could be a professional setting, be you. Understand that everyone is in the same boat wanting to meet new individuals and grow their network, which can be uncomfortable.
Be authentic. You’re going to meet others similar and different from you, but the chance you engage with someone you remain in contact with is high. Your authenticity will speak loud and draw others in. Networking events are not for a show.
Dress to Please
Choose professional attire while designing your wardrobe. You will feel more confident when wearing an outfit that you feel attractive in will give you the advantage to go mingle out of your comfort zone.
Choose something that feels good to you —a stunning outfit or those gorgeous shoes you’ve been dying to wear can let you radiate confidence in what may be an awkward situation.
Understand Your Audience
Since you can now use Myngly to check out who’s set to attend our events, go on the app and check out the various profiles and see what you might have in common or any topics for discussion.
Use those in your conversations to show that you’ve done your homework and you truly care. You will likely find that they open up more and are more engaging in your conversation.
Pose Questions
Asking questions when you feel uncomfortable will ease your mind. This strategy will keep the other individual in the front. You could even discover a point of agreement and add when it’s your opportunity to speak. Ask individuals questions during the event since they like talking about themselves. Be curious. Seek advice.
What are they having fun with? What other activities do they enjoy? What are their thoughts on the speaker? Do they like the venue and food? Where do they reside? Work? What kind of job are they looking for?
Make an Introduction to the Organizer
Finding the event organizer and introducing yourself is a terrific approach to learning more about a business and who is participating. They may then put you in the appropriate place and connect you to other participants to assist you in getting started on the right track.
Engaging with the organizer also shows an ounce of appreciation for the event and show sincere gratitude.
Prepare a Powerful Introduction
When you meet a person for the first time, make eye contact, smile, introduce yourself, and shake hands firmly yet quickly. Think of a fun question to spark conversation and set you apart.
Next, say the other person’s name twice while speaking after listening to it. Not only will this make it easier for you to recall their identity, but it will also make you seem honest and engaged in the discussion. You now are given permission to think of them as a peer and no longer a stranger.
Keep a Set of Business Cards
This one appears simple. Carry a stack of your business cards in a card box and take more than you believe you’ll require. Don’t, however, spam people with cards. Giving your cards to everybody you encounter without their request is the nearest thing to tossing away all your business cards.
Likewise, don’t give someone your card if you haven’t established a connection with them that would compel them to accept it.
If you don’t regularly carry cards, remember that a connection on Myngly is a great option after your introduction.
Be Invested
Keep your discussion partner in your line of sight. Then, when you’re chatting, incline your body and nod. Face your feet towards the individual and keep your arms uncrossed. These little gestures give people the impression that you care, which aids in developing connection and trust—the cornerstones on which you could subsequently do business. Body language is very noticeable!
Final Word
These insights are going to help ease the nerves of showing up to a networking event alone or with peers. It can be uncomfortable, but in the long run, well worth your time. You’ll meet new connections, friends, and resources to advance your career journey.
Remember to make a lasting impression with your body language, conversations, questions, and attire.
Do you enjoy networking? Myngly is a social networking app Texas Young Professionals created to assist young professionals like you to foster more genuine connections and effective networking for improved job possibilities.
What steps do you take to make attending network events less intimidating and more enjoyable? Share with Texas Young professionals in the comments section below.
